Return to the Enchanted Island by Johary Ravaloson

 

Apparently this is only the second work of Madagascan literature to be translated into English. I got this for World Book Day and was initially concerned because the ratings for it aren't great, but I don't let other people's opinions put me off a work. I like to see for myself if it's any good-- plus, I loved the cover and title.

Sadly, I would say that the consensus opinion is pretty on the ball for this one and I'm really not sure if it's the author's fault or the translator's fault to blame because the writing was flat and everything was told in a series of info dumps. If this book wasn't so short, I never would have been able to make it through because reading it was so tedious.

The redeeming factors are that you get to learn a lot about the history, culture, and folklore of Madagascar. I learned so much that I didn't know before, so it's hard to give this a one when it was such a learning experience. But no, I really don't think this is a great book and I can't recommend it, either. Give it a try if you want to check out something new, though.

1.5 out of 5 stars